UPDATE - New Mexico passes 80% renewables bill

March 15 (Renewables Now) - The New Mexico House of Representatives has passed the so-called Energy Transmission Act, calling for an increase in the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 80% by 2040 and 100% carbon-free generation for public utilities five years later.

The bill was given the nod by the New Mexico Senate last week and was then submitted for review by the House of Representatives, which approved it with a 43-22 vote. Once it becomes a law, New Mexico's RPS will be set at 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2040. The Energy Transmission Act also introduces a 100% carbon-free power standard for investor-owned utilities by 2045.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to sign the bill into law next week.

According to the governor, the Act is “a groundbreaking push toward the clean energy future New Mexico,” moving the state away from an era of coal-fired power generation and making it a national leader in clean energy.

Veselina Petrova is one of SeeNews Renewables most experienced green energy writers. For several years she has been keeping track of game-changing events both large and small projects and across the globe.